November 21 | Writing as Self-Compassion Practice

Writing as Self-Compassion Practice Meeting this Moment with Wonder and Curiosity Saturday, November 21, 2026 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Pacific Time (online) with David Fredrickson and Aimee Eckhardt Some seasons ask a lot of us. We warmly invite you to set aside your labors for awhile and join us in the curiously potent experience of Writing as Self-Compassion Practice. In this half-day workshop, we’ll practice loosening our grip and following our curiosity onto the page. What emerges may be tender, surprising, unruly, funny, or wonderfully alive. We won’t ask ourselves to perform gratitude or “look on the bright side.” Instead, we’ll make room for the full, colorful range of our lives and for whatever wants to be discovered there. Open to everyone including non-writers, journalers, and seasoned writers. Why Writing as Practice? Much like meditation, writing practice can reveal what lies beneath the surface of our habitual thinking. When responding to high-impact questions by simply keeping the pen moving without planning, editing, or steering toward a particular conclusion, something unexpected can emerge. No writing proficiency or artificial intelligence required. You have what is needed. Mindfulness helps us notice whatever appears. Self-compassion helps us to suspend judgment and meet both the writing and the person holding the pen with kindness. Who is This For? Anyone drawn to writing, journaling, being kinder to yourself, or curious about exploring writing as a self-compassion practice. Whether you’re new to writing or have been writing or journaling for years, this workshop has something to offer at every level. Come ready to move a little, write freely, and be surprised. There is nothing to prepare, nothing to perform, and no perfect way for the words to arrive. Just bring yourself and your curiosity. You are welcome here. About Your Teachers This workshop will be co-facilitated by David Fredrickson and Aimee Eckhardt, who have offered Writing as Practice through the Community for Deepening Practice (CDP). They are delighted to bring this lively practice to CMSC’s wider community. Writing as Practice was developed by author, teacher, and longtime Zen practitioner Natalie Goldberg. David Fredrickson, PhD Psychotherapist, Certified MSC Teacher, and author, David Fredrickson has worked with and learned from underserved and traumatized communities including at-risk children and families, the LGBTQIA+ community, and those affected by HIV/AIDS. Following his own health crisis, activated by caregiver fatigue, David discovered that his care often did not include himself. Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) became part of his own healing and as a MSC teacher he is committed to bringing this powerful balm to others. He is a MSC teacher trainer and was honored to be part of Chris Germer’s development team for the Self-Compassion for Shame Course. Aimee Eckhardt Aimee Eckhardt is a Certified MSC Teacher and founder of the Community for Deepening Practice, where she and her team have devoted the last near-decade to teaching people to meet their lives with ever-deepening compassion. She’s also worked as CMSC’s Communications Director and actively teaches LOMSC for the Center. Her work and wellbeing are supported by her 24-year meditation practice, her family of teachers (both living and dead), her ongoing studies at the Upaya Zen Center, and the stunning land near where she lives in Colorado.